It is most likely he was employed as a ' room - boy ',responsible for the cleaning of the officers' uniforms and equipment as well as the single mens' accomodation.He would be paid by the officers themselves.

My grandpa, Bert Macvey shown bottom right in the photo sadly passed away in 1998. He talked very little of his time in Hong Kong pre-war and during the war so finding this photo was a fantastic find. If anyone has any stories or information of his time in Hong Kong this would be really appreciated.

My understanding is that he was assigned to the Water Police after completion of training (presumably at the Police Training School which was then at Mongkok later in 1935) but I do not know where - there is some evidence to suggest that he was assigned to the Water Police detachment at Sai Kung.

Further to my last post, during the Japanese attack on Hong Kong island John Michie was part of a police party who were later recommended for a commendation: "For courage and devotion to duty displayed in volunteering and taking part in the first expedition which proceeded to Aberdeen on the afternoon of December 22nd in an attempt to obtain 1000 hand grenades from the Military Magazines at Shouson Hill in close proximity to the enemy."

The operation was conducted under the command of Asst. Superintendent George W. Wright-Nooth and is described in his book "Prisoner of the Turnip Heads".